Lighting a 20"x18"x30" Tank

aaron1987 · 12/15/2008, 12:47 PM

Like the title says, I'm evaluating lighting options for my 47gal column aquarium. It's 30" deep so I'd originally planned on a 250w MH but have started looking at the possibility of T5's - I haven't seen 20" T5 bulbs for sale so I'd be doing something with a 24" fixture. How many bulbs would I be looking at needing to get decent PAR throughout the tank? Is the depth of the tank with the limited width prohibitive for the required number of T5's?

EvMiBo · 12/15/2008, 12:50 PM

I think MH would be better considering the depth. just my .02

good luck.

Michael · 12/15/2008, 01:01 PM

whats your long term plans with the tank?

aaron1987 · 12/15/2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Michael
whats your long term plans with the tank?

I currently keep a mixed reef in a 29g under 150w MH (SPS, LPS, Clams), and anticipate that stocking will be similar for this tank as well.

Michael · 12/15/2008, 01:11 PM

well if your keeping a reef and intend to keep some corals near the bottom then perhaps a mh would be better, i have t5s and leds over my 90 its 24" deep and bright as hell, but 30" is deep, im unsure if t5s would cut it, they may though

12/15/2008, 12:47 PM	#1
aaron1987 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 283	Lighting a 20"x18"x30" Tank Like the title says, I'm evaluating lighting options for my 47gal column aquarium. It's 30" deep so I'd originally planned on a 250w MH but have started looking at the possibility of T5's - I haven't seen 20" T5 bulbs for sale so I'd be doing something with a 24" fixture. How many bulbs would I be looking at needing to get decent PAR throughout the tank? Is the depth of the tank with the limited width prohibitive for the required number of T5's?

12/15/2008, 12:50 PM	#2
EvMiBo VictoriaConcordiaCrescit Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Myers, FL Posts: 1,929	I think MH would be better considering the depth. just my .02 good luck. __________________ Evan \| DSA 135g Peninsula

12/15/2008, 01:01 PM	#3
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	whats your long term plans with the tank? __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

12/15/2008, 01:11 PM	#5
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	well if your keeping a reef and intend to keep some corals near the bottom then perhaps a mh would be better, i have t5s and leds over my 90 its 24" deep and bright as hell, but 30" is deep, im unsure if t5s would cut it, they may though __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)